Trump urges Zelensky to strike deal with Russia, declines to approve Tomahawk missiles
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to “make a deal” with Russia, dampening Kyiv’s hopes of receiving U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles as he renews efforts to end the war.
Trump met with Zelensky at the White House on Friday, describing their talks as “interesting and cordial,” but reiterated his position that both sides should “stop the killing and make a deal.”
“They should stop where they are. Let both claim victory; let history decide,” Trump said on social media while en route to his Florida estate.
Zelensky, speaking to NBC News after the meeting, confirmed that Trump neither approved nor rejected Ukraine’s request for Tomahawks. “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, he didn’t say ‘yes,’” he said.
The Ukrainian president acknowledged that the U.S. was reluctant to escalate the conflict, saying both leaders agreed not to publicly discuss long-range weapons. He described Russia as being “afraid” of Tomahawk missiles but said he remained “realistic” about U.S. assistance.
Trump’s comments came a day after he agreed to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a new summit in Budapest, following what he described as a “lengthy and positive” phone conversation.
Observers note that Trump’s renewed emphasis on diplomacy follows his recent Gaza peace deal, suggesting he is seeking another major foreign policy breakthrough.
Zelensky had hoped to secure new military commitments from Washington amid ongoing hostilities, but the meeting left Kyiv without the advanced weapons it sought.
